Evince February 08

February 2008

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Table of Contents Two Keys 3

Looking at the Big Picture

by Kathryn Davis

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to a Successful Valentine’s Day Celebration

To Mine or Not to Mine?

by Dr. Joey Faucette

2

Two Keys to a Successful Valentine’s Day Celebration

by Dr. Joey Faucette

Uranium: Let's Find the Truth

by Henry Hurt No Free Lunch in Southside

by Rick Dixon

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Pittsylvania County Uranium: Truth or Consequences

by Larry G. Aaron

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Believe by Liz Sater

Lying in State Brings Laughter to Theatre

by Kirk Compton He Said She Said

by Larry Oldham & Dena Hill Moonlight Dancing at Chinqua Penn

by Leslie Deaton

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Second Thoughts Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile

by Kim Clifton

10 Calendar of Evince 11 Crossing of the

Dan Celebration

by Emyl Jenkins

12 Commonwealth Silver

& Goldsmiths: More Than Just A Pretty Window

by Joyce Wilburn Around the Table Pleasing Surprises with Sweet Endings

by Annelle Williams

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Why I’m Performing in Shakespeare’s As You Like It

by Devin Braun

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Lynnette Lawson

Adrift in Dixie

by Helen Miller

14 You’re Invited to Laugh at Inflation

by Arlyne McDowell

Tour and/or Live in Danville’s Famed Langhorne House

by Pat Maurakis

Storytelling Festival Keeps Oral Tradition Alive

by Lynne Bjarnesen & Fred Motley

15 Wondering How to Pay

for College?

by Nancy Combs

On the Cover:

Photo of Jeremiah and Angela Sanom

by Wayne Brumfield. See ad page 3.

Cindy and Steve were married last summer and this is their first Valentine’s Day together. They each want to make it a memorable one, but wonder, “How do we do that?”

Fran and Paul have been married 23 years. Valentine’s Day is just another date on the calendar for them, but they continue to love each other deeply and aren’t sure how to celebrate again in a meaningful way.

To help each couple resolve the same dilemma--how do we successfully celebrate Valentine’s Day--I’ve discovered two keys to a successful Valentine’s Day celebration. These are developed from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, which helps couples understand their unique personality behaviors.

From this indicator, we learn that all people are energized in one of two ways. For extroverts, it’s the outer world of people and things.

On the other hand, introverts pay more attention to their inner worlds.

Using this information, the first key toward fulfilling the needs of

each other requires that couples decide whether to celebrate their special day publicly or privately.

Extroverts want to make a party out of any event, so they’ll prefer the restaurant. Introverts are more comfortable with one-on-one conversation, so they’ll choose a quiet, intimate evening at home.

Whoever does the Valentine’s Day planning needs to know which personality his or her spouse has and plan accordingly, even if it is not the planner’s preference.

Of course, if both members of the couple are the same type, the solution is easy. But most couples have incorporated an introvert and an extrovert. What to do?

A nice solution for an extroverted/ introverted couple is to go outof-town to a small, intimate restaurant. The extrovert will know fewer people to interrupt the date, so the introvert is satisfied, but

February 2008 they’ll be out in public with others so the extrovert is energized.

Should the location be a surprise?

Maybe. Maybe not. Some people value consistency. Others don’t.

To have your desires met and create a successful celebration, you need to declare those needs and give your spouse some help in finding a way out of his preference and closer to yours. For example, say to your spouse, “I know you like Bubba’s House of Ribeyes, but this year for Valentine’s Day, what do you say we go somewhere else? I don’t care where. Just surprise me with another restaurant, okay?”

Use these keys to unlock the “Opposites Attract” factors in your marriage. I hope you enjoy a Happy Valentine’s Day celebration .

For more information, visit www.StayMarriedForever.org.

February 2008

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Brumfield Studios 915 Green Street Danville, Virginia 24541 (434) 792-7261

by Kathryn Davis

You've heard it said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and that's true. But I learned recently that beauty is truly all around us if we only open our eyes to see it.

One of the best parts of my job as a news reporter at WBTM/WAKG is having the opportunity to interview some of the Most Fascinating People in the Dan River Region. Okay, that was a shameless plug for the book I wrote two years ago, but I really do mean it.

Every week I record a 3-minute "this is your life" program on someone I’ve interviewed. In mid-January, I met Lee Sandstead, the well-known art historian who moved to South Boston last year. For 45 minutes while we talked, I was spellbound by the passion with which he discussed the artworks he has seen and photographed around the world. The sheer joy he found in everything from stained glass windows by Tiffany to the larger- than-life statue of David

sculpted by Michelangelo must have been contagious, because I left vowing to look actively for beauty wherever it could be found.

By the time I returned to the radio station that afternoon, the sun was setting into one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen. The usual pinks and blues were accented by stripes of yellow that illuminated the clouds in a sort of supernatural light show. It was so spectacular that I grabbed my digital camera and captured the images. While I stood in the parking lot staring at that brilliant display of color, I silently thanked Mr. Sandstead for opening my eyes to the beauty of God's world.

I now keep that picture on my desk as a reminder that beauty really is all around me, if I only take the time to see and enjoy it.

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February 2008

To Mine or Not to Mine?

Editor’s Note:

Few concerns, past or present, will directly impact the region’s citizens as significantly as does the question of uranium mining.

EVINCE believes the public needs to hear all sides of the question to understand better the issues at hand. To that end, we invited those con and those pro to submit their logical and fact-based arguments for publication. In addition, we asked our Associate Editor, Larry Aaron, to provide background material to help the readership better understand the history and issues confronting us. EVINCE plans to continue this rational, and sometimes emotional, discussion in future issues.

From our viewpoint, aside from technical concerns, the real issue will be decided within the framework of our system of government, possibly our court system. But who will prevail in the ultimate decision? The people, the bureaucrats, regulatory bodies, scientific experts, our legislators, politicians, the corporations pursuing uranium mining, the organizations opposed to any kind of environmental impact, lobbyists?

One thing is certain. With potentially billions of dollars at stake in this issue, the opportunity for corruption and questionable actions for all concerned will be significant.

Some folks already are doubting whether there can be a fair outcome with this much money in play.

We, The People, must carefully consider, monitor, and participate in the discussions at hand. We must be diligent as we continue to hold accountable those who wield and abuse power—on all sides.

Uranium:

Let's Find the Truth

by Henry Hurt

By the time the debate over uranium mining in Pittsylvania County ended 25 years ago, I still was not sure whether I thought it could be done safely. What I was sure about then, and am even more sure of today, is that our country faces a severe energy crisis and that our region, Southside Virginia, possesses a world-class supply of fuel for energy.

But can it be mined safely? At a recent meeting of the Pittsylvania Board of Zoning Appeals in Chatham, 20 people took the podium to express their concern about safety to our people and the environment. Their concerns are important—including the ones grounded on irrational perceptions. Many of those who were upset cited research they had conducted on the Internet, where they had managed to find what they felt

was compelling expertise to support their fears.

Like them, over the past 25 years I too have studied the issue—reading books, listening to the debate and watching as our country became increasingly dependent upon foreign sources of energy—foreign sources that have become ever crazier and more threatening.

Though far from being an expert, I personally have reached the belief that our country’s wondrous technology, our fine-tuned environmental protections, our ability to probe outer space, our breathtaking medical skills, are such that with no doubt we can safely extract and process this Godgiven natural resource.

But unlike some of those who seem most upset, I would never ask anyone to accept my own opinion as fact.

That’s why Virginia Uranium (www. virginiauranium.com) is asking the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct an independent scientific study to examine the concerns we have heard in recent weeks. We hope that such a study, paid for by Virginia Uranium in a hands-off manner, will be conducted by a prestigious and totally independent group like the National Academy of Sciences. If such a study concludes that mining cannot be done safely, then the ore body will not be mined.

Obviously, we believe that top independent scientists will find that properly-regulated mining is safe, and we believe the study will provide reasonable responses for those whose genuine concerns we respect.

Since our country’s inception, Southside Virginia has contributed to our nation in terms of brave soldiers, innovative agriculture, enviable positions in textiles and furniture, creative inventors, gifted artists, skilled teachers, savvy businessmen, and in so many other ways. We have been strong players at countless levels.

But I’m not sure we have ever had within our grasp anything of this magnitude—an endeavor that could make so profound a contribution to America while at the same time invigorating this region’s economy.

The proven uranium deposit at Coles Hill, the largest undeveloped ore body in this country, has an energy equivalent of more than seven billion barrels of oil. The life of this single project could span several generations and, in various ways, pump billions of dollars into the regional economy.

Area educational institutions could construct academic programs taking advantage of the cutting-edge technology the project would bring.

And none of the jobs created could be exported overseas.

What Virginia Uranium is asking for at this point is a scientific study to examine and, we hope, resolve the genuine concerns of citizens.

Do we really want to be driven by hysteria that is all too often based on misinformation? Or do we want to step up and take a close look at the powerful

good that might come from this—for our country as well as our region.

Let’s get the facts and the truth.

That’s why an independent scientific study by the Commonwealth of Virginia is so important for our future.

Henry Hurt, an author and retired editor for Reader’s Digest Magazine, operates Shadetree Rare Books in Chatham and is an investor and senior advisor for Virginia Uranium.

No Free Lunch in Southside

by Rick Dixon

Twenty years ago, Governor Baliles issued a ban on uranium mining in Virginia. It was not the price of the ore that caused the ban, but the economic and ecological cost to Virginians that brought it about.

The risk of air-borne pollutants destroying crops – at the time, the valued tobacco crop – was too great for the agricultural health of the Commonwealth. The risk of waterborne pollutants spoiling the Banister River, and hence the drinking water of downstream Halifax County was just too great to contemplate. Now, years later, the tobacco industry is weakened, but farmers still make their living based on the purity of the product they deliver. Now, water from the Banister River finds its way not only to homes in Halifax County, but directly into main population centers of the Tidewater, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk.

The technology to reduce the risks of uranium mining to acceptable levels did not exist then; it does not exist now. Uranium mining continues to be a very dirty business.

In addition to being a dirty industry, uranium mining is also a relatively short-lived one. A mine in Pittsylvania County would be depleted in less than 50 years. After the profit is removed, after the land is opened up and scarred, after the workers are laid off, who pays for the costs generated by environmental regulations and social obligations?

The answer is, as always, the taxpaying citizens of Virginia. Any uranium mine operation requires a monitoring obligation which stretches into the thousands of years. The costs for this monitoring obligation come from state and federal agencies. Tax monies fund these agencies. The heavier the obligation, the heavier the tax. The longer the duration of the monitoring activity, the longer the tax requirement that must fund the monitoring activity.

Trust funds left behind by mining corporations historically have been inadequate to cover expenses incurred by their activity. State agencies, i.e. taxpayers, pick up the tab. Tax monies used to monitor and safeguard past

February 2008 operations prevent the Commonwealth from pursuing future needs and future obligations. Money diverted to mine clean-up is money removed from highway development or school expansion. Every dollar used to repair past mistakes, is a dollar not available for future endeavors.

One need but look at eastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia to see that mining areas do not generate good roads or fine schools. In fact, these areas tend to be the worst areas for both roads and schools. People, new industry and investment money tend to go away from – not into – areas of heavy mining operations. There is no mall in Grundy, and no cool-suited business men plan their latest investment opportunity in Pikeville. History teaches us that once mine profits leave those areas, they seldom return.

By allowing uranium mining in Southside Virginia, the one corporation that would be saddled almost immediately with a vast array of new expenses would not be the Cattleman’s Association, Walter Coles’ covert uranium cabal. It would not even be Norm Reynold’s Virginia Uranium, Inc. It would be the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its stockholders, the people of Virginia.

Politicians throughout the state should bear this in mind when they begin extolling the virtues of openpit mine culture. Thirty individuals who have invested millions claim that uranium mining can be done safely, that it will be a boon to Southside.

Even now, they employ four well-heeled lobbyists to stop our legislators in the hallways of the Capitol and ply them with claims of easy riches and vast benefits for the people of Virginia. Not a word, probably, of their sponsors’ own desperate need for profitable returns on their dubious investment.

Four paid lobbyists with personal ties to our elected officials speak for the uranium interests. Reason, Good Government and Fiscal Responsibility speak for the people. The financial interest of 30 individuals stands opposite the economic, environmental and social future of seven million Virginians.

This is surely an equation that even a fourth-grader can reckon. The future of the Commonwealth depends upon the ability of our elected representatives to know how to factor as well as that fourthgrader. Our health, our property and our economic prosperity hang in the balance.

Pittsylvania County Uranium: Truth or Consequences

by Larry G. Aaron

In Pittsylvania County the battle lines are drawn over a geological marvel—an ore deposit that has lain silent beneath a pastoral setting since long before our forefathers ever laid an ax to a tree.

Uranium, both purveyor of mushroom clouds and much needed energy, is leading our community into a bloodless civil war where the ammunition is a mixture of words, votes, petitions,

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and lobbying. It threatens to divide families and friends, and to polarize the community.

The question, should uranium be mined in Pittsylvania County, is all-important. Either way, the consequences may be costly.

If the prized ore is not mined, the county may lose a generous amount of revenue, money the proponents of mining say could benefit this economically strapped region.

If it is mined, say its opponents, we may poison the land, the water, and our bodies.

This debate is not new. In the 1980s, after the U.S. government encouraged a search for alternative energy sources, radioactive tests suggested there were massive amounts of uranium in Southern Virginia. A Canadian company, Marline, found the deposits in Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County and sought to mine it.

Environmental groups loudly opposed uranium mining, resulting in a State moratorium in 1983. But what really undermined uranium mining was a drastic drop in the price of the ore.

Now, the increased demand for nuclear power has prompted a rise in the price of uranium, again making mining it very profitable. Mining efforts revived when Governor Kaine signed the Virginia Energy Plan.

Virginia Uranium, the company begun

by Walter Coles, Sr., who also owns land above the ore body, stresses that mining uranium will be a benefit not only to investors, but the entire region, saying, “We are dedicated to using this natural resource as a catalyst for development for all of Southside Virginia.”

That’s a big agenda—but then again, who’s to say it won’t happen?

Well, the opponents for one.

Southside Concerned Citizens is vehement about the evils of uranium mining. Some of SCC’s members and others who have signed a petition titled “Heck No We Won’t Glow,” have called uranium mining “environmental suicide,” and “an absolutely insane idea.” Some opponents of uranium mining also question the danger of nuclear power plant emissions, and nuclear energy and radioactivity in general.

Virginia Uranium, however, welcomes scrutiny by regulatory agencies and will fund an independent, unbiased study to decide if it is safe to mine, and fund any cleanup if there are problems. Coles, whose family has lived on the land for 200 years, says if it proves unsafe to mine uranium, they won’t do it. He has to live there, too. Fair enough.

Virginia Uranium believes new technology, volumes of federal regulations, and better methods of mining can probably make it safe. But at the heart of the question is whether the mining can be safe for our particular area. That’s what the study is all about.

Jack Dunavant of Halifax, President of SCC, believes the new technology touted by Virginia Uranium that would make uranium mining safer does not exist. “It’s a pipe dream.” Opposing the study, SCC says, “Our decision is based on the general knowledge that wherever uranium mining has occurred it has contaminated the air, ground and water with radioactive material for many, many miles.”

Gregg Vickrey, an SCC member, stresses, “No matter what study is done, it cannot take into account natural and man-made disasters.”

So, what’s the truth? Will the study show if the mining is safe, or not?

Under what conditions? For ultimately, safety is the issue—not whether uranium will benefit the community.

Mining uranium has to be safe, not just safer than it used to be. That’s the onus on Virginia Uranium. “Trust me” messages from Virginia Uranium won’t be sufficient despite the fact that the company is locally owned and operated.

And since a 100% risk-free safety promise isn’t possible, the issue comes down to this: What will the region settle for? Will it be all or nothing?

The SCC and other environmental groups as well as Virginia Uranium must focus on the issue of mining and milling uranium.

The benefits for the country and the community, or how much money is made, and who gets it is really insignificant. Those are side issues no matter what side you’re on.

It doesn’t even matter that mining in Western states such as Utah has been a dismal business. I’ve been to Moab, Utah and seen the uranium tailings next to the Colorado River.

But we’re not talking about Moab.

That state’s dry and arid environment is different from ours.

Bill Speiden, Chairman of the Planning Commission of Orange County Virginia, has refused to let the large deposit of uranium on his land be mined. Yet he says, “This is not a discussion of the evils of using radioactive materials. Much good for people is derived from tamed radioactivity. The focus of the debate needs to be limited to the mining and milling of uranium in Virginia and whether or not it can be accomplished safely. No amount of regulation will change our rainfall levels and population density.”

And in my Advanced Earth Science Class at Chatham High School when Rebecca Hodnett wrote a paper on the mining of uranium at Coles Hill, which is not far from her house, she concluded: “In conclusion, the mining of uranium would either benefit the community or hurt the community.

At stake are jobs, health, taxes, and quality of life. Right now people are trying to find out as much as they can about uranium before they make up their minds. Only time will tell how the mining of uranium would affect the community and whether it can be mined safely.”

Thus the question remains, “Is it safe in Virginia?” Not safer, but safe.

Somebody has to decide the answer.

Who will that be? The citizens? The Board of Supervisors? Legislators?

The Governor? The courts? Virginia Uranium?

You can bet somebody will have the last word.

A future article will explore the misinformation, false assumptions, generalizations, and unrealistic scenarios associated with the issue, including how stereotyping the other side can be detrimental to this whole debate.

Larry Aaron is a biologist trained at Virginia Tech. The associate editor of EVINCE, Aaron is Chairman of the Science Department at Chatham High School where he teaches Earth Science, Astronomy, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. His studies have included Virginia Geology and Nuclear Power and Energy at University of Virginia.

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Believe...

In the redevelopment of Danville’s Historic Downtown and the Tobacco Warehouse Districts

by Liz Sater, Re-Development Coordinator

Despite the sometimes dreary days of February, there are no winter doldrums in Downtown Danville.

The historic districts are blooming with vigor. New businesses are opening and developers are busy with restoration projects.

One exciting project nearing completion is the Lindsey Lofts at 308 Craghead Street. The second and third floors of the former LinkWatson building are being renovated for 21 condominium apartments, with commercial space available on the first floor. With its heart pine beams and floors combined with modern conveniences, the building offers the best of the old and the new.

When blending commercial and residential space, it makes sense to recruit businesses to the property that will benefit and support the urban dwellers. What woman would not enjoy having a full service salon within an elevator’s ride of her abode?

Last month, the vibrant and inviting Zinc Total Salon, owned by Tanya Zeidler, opened for business on the ground level of Lindsey Lofts.

Tanya, a Danville native with a lifelong interest in helping people to look their best, attended Dan River High School and graduated from Lynchburg’s Liberty University. After successful stints with Mary Kay and in one of Memphis’ top salons, Tanya has returned to Danville.

“In larger cities, all the really neat shops are downtown,” she says, adding, “I felt like I could be a pioneer by being among the first to locate in the Tobacco Warehouse District.”

Zinc Total Salon, which offers hair

services and grooming services, brings seven new jobs to the district.

In that same building, the corner office is now occupied by Rick Barker’s custom packaging and logistics business, Supply Resources, Inc. Barker, who worked for Expedex and Unisys, and owns an historic home here, could have headquartered his new business in Charlotte or Richmond. Instead, he says he appreciates the lower cost of doing business here. As a result, we are fortunate to have a company that can serve a national market specializing in retail and industrial packaging located in Downtown Danville.

Another downtown business, Riverland Music, owned by Norm and Lauren Aquilo, is set to open this month at 440 Main Street. In addition to offering guitar, bass, and trombone lessons, Riverland Music will have instruments for sale or lease and voice lessons. They chose downtown because they felt the newly emerging energy was a perfect fit for their business which serves patrons from 6 to 72.

Entrepreneurs like Tanya, Rick, and the Aquilos are excited about the vigor in the historic hub of our city. Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood—open and inclusive.

Its renewed vitality is enhancing our community’s quality of life by offering more cultural and recreational opportunities, better schools, more housing options – all in a setting of heritage preserved.

With spring around the corner, renewal is just what we have been waiting for.

Lying in State Brings Laughter to Theatre

by Kirk Compton

February brings many things: cold weather, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Presidents’ Day, Super Tuesday—and political news. So what better time for Halifax County Little Theatre to present Lying in State, a political comedy guaranteed to leave you feeling better about the long election year that lies ahead.

Directed by Becky Donner, Lying in State is inspired by the 2000 Missouri election where a deceased senatorial candidate defeated John Ashcroft, who later became the United States Attorney General in 2001.

Ed, a state senator running for reelection, is expected to lose the election. But when he dies while defending his home against intruders, his numbers go up.

Quick to capitalize on Ed’s newfound popularity his campaign manager, Herb, played by Troy Bowman, must find a replacement candidate. The first person he turns to is Edna, portrayed

by Dorothy Fensterer, the deceased’s former wife, who just wants to bury the man and move on.

And there are others who enter the picture. There’s Wally, Herb’s

assistant, who is also the governor’s son (Devin Hall); and Buttons, Ed’s fiancée, who appears to be interested in the senate seat, (Annette Woolard).

Further complicating the story is Ed’s brother Harry (Greg Donner), who might be willing to finance the campaign if his name is put in the pot. And Margo (Linda Shepperd), the woman from Parlor C whose deceased husband is in the next room, and the governor, Wally’s father, (Martin Beekman).

February and politics can both be dreary at times—but not at the Halifax County Little Theatre. Come see for yourself.

Lying in State will run at the Prizery’s Chastain Theatre, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, Friday and Saturday, February 15-16, at 8 pm; on Sunday, February 17, at 3 pm; and February 21-23, at 8 pm.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information and tickets call 434.572.8339 Monday through Thursday from 5-7pm or visit www.prizery.com.

February 2008

He Said

She Said

He Said by Larry Oldham

She Said by Dena Hill

Here is what I know about love.

It comes once a year on February 14th. That is the one day that I know I am loved. People tell me. Cards tell me. Balloons tell me. On a good Valentine's Day, candy even tells me.

Let's look at the other 364 days of the year. Where are my presents?

Where are my cards? Where are my flowers? I want to be loved all the year round. This part-time love isn't working for me anymore. I want every day to be Valentine's Day. Instead, every day is like Halloween...spooky and scary.

According to Hallmark, every month there is a holiday of some sort, but if they had it their way, every day would be a holiday. I am offering them that chance. Make every day a day of love. It would certainly satisfy my love needs. I don't require presents, cards, flowers, or candy every day, even though I could get used to it. However, a love nudge, holding hands, a little kissy mouth, anything to let me know I am loved and appreciated daily would be great!

This might take away from February 14th a little bit, but think about how I would feel with the whole world being in love each and every day.

I'm starting to feel a little like John Lennon and the Beatles.

I could have asked for every day to be like Christmas, but I know that is way out of bounds. It would take too many decorations and too much money to make that work even for Hallmark. I will just keep asking for the love day with the hope that someone (hint, hint) might just hear me and respond. Just tell me you love me and show it by your daily touch.

Happy Valentine's every day of the year.

But I like Valentine's Day and the fact that it only comes once a year makes it really special. Too much of a good thing diminishes its worth. For me, Valentine's Day has always been a time to let my special someone and my children know how much I care.

On Valentine's Day, when the children were still at home, I always had little gifts and candy waiting in their chairs at breakfast before they left for school.

It was a nice way to start their day. Of course my significant other always received more presents and/or attention because like he said, it’s a day to show unconditional love.

You do bring up some good points, however. Showering that special person with gifts, flowers, candy, and gifts every day wouldn't mean as much as little acts of kindness such as helping out around the house without being asked, planning a night out as a surprise, or doing favors for in-laws. Those are genuine acts of love and respect for our relationship.

Remember the night we "kidnapped" our friends and took them to a restaurant without telling them where we were going? They even called their son and laughingly told him that in case he didn't see them again, they were with us! It was all in good fun and they knew how much we cared about them. We don't have to be "in" love with someone to show them that we love them.

During the eulogy you gave at the burial of your best friend, it was extremely evident how much you loved and cherished him. It didn't have to be Valentine's Day for you to express those feelings. At the funeral home visitation, our classmates expressed loving thoughts for each other, which is what this time of year should be... a reminder that on Valentine's Day, it would be a good idea to tell all the special people in your life that you love them.

P.S. Here is a piece of advice from a mom of grown children to fathers of young children. If you really want to make Valentine's Day special for your wife, make dinner reservations, arrange for child care, plan dinner for the kids, supervise homework, run a hot bubble bath, and then tell your wife to bathe, relax, get dressed and meet you at the front door at the stated time. It would be a real date, if you take care of all of the arrangements.

larryoldham0@gmail.com

Moonlight Dancing at Chinqua Penn

by Leslie A. Deaton Chinqua Penn Plantation in Reidsville, North Carolina, will serve as the historic backdrop for a black-tie optional Snowflake Ball on Saturday, February 23, from 7 to 11 p.m. Plans for this magical evening, which will benefit the Free Clinic of Rockingham County, include dancing to the Big Band music of Penn Family Music and The Swing Machine. Top award- winning Indie artist, Vaughan Penn, who has been heard on Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, and Laguna Beach, will be a highlight of the evening's festivities.

Party-goers will dine on superb food, while bidding on items offered in an extensive silent auction including beach condos, signed basketballs by Coach K and Roy Williams, gourmet meals, fine jewelry, original art and sculpture, 200 gallons of propane, a smile makeover, golf packages, and more.

Tickets to the Snowflake Ball are $50.00 each and are available at all Chamber of Commerce offices in Rockingham County. Chinqua Penn Plantation, the 1920s home of the late tobacconist, Jeff Penn, and his wife, Betsy, is located at 2138 Wentworth Street in Reidsville. For more information and directions call 336.349.3220 x 302 or visit www.chinquapenn.com.

February 2008

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Page 7

Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile When car commercials advertise gadgets more than gearshifts, you know it’s a world gone mad. It’s no longer about smooth rides, anti-lock brakes and rack-and-pinion steering.

Now the hype is about hard drives instead of overdrives.

Do some WindowsŽ shopping, and discover that new cars have Sync technology from Microsoft. That means you can call somebody without taking your hands off the wheel. It’s good to keep your eyes on the road.

It’s better that you get away with talking to yourself in public.

Sync also makes your wish your iPod’s command. Plug it in and it plays any song you ask. Being your own DJ is convenient, but not new. In 1955, fancy sedans sported dashboard record players called Highway Hi-Fis. They were fun, but not practical.

Inventors figured out how to stop the needle from bouncing as you drove.

What they didn’t figure out was how to stop the car from flipping over‌when you did the same to your album.

I remember a time when commercials focused more on comfort than computers. In the ‘70s, plush seats were essential because of the gas crisis. With lines at the pump longer than Christmas returns at Wal-Mart, you sat still longer than you moved.

One solution was the Chrysler Cordoba with its rich Corinthian leather, endorsed by actor Ricardo MontalbĂĄn.

I’ve since read the leather wasn’t really

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from Corinth. It was a marketing ploy.

It was imaginary. It was exactly what you’d expect from a guy who ran a fantasy island.

Of all the whistles and bells featured now, navigational aids are the biggest draw. There are bunches of them: Garmins, TomToms and Magellans‌complete with automated maps and robotic voices.

But my favorite is OnStar. It can get you where you want to go, open the

door if you lose your keys, and give you comfort in a time of need. It’s real help from real people.

Currently, OnStar is a three-button world. Push the first one and you get a hand-free phone. Push the middle one to talk to an operator standing by. Push the last one and a rescue team will race to your side. There is still an untapped market here. OnStar could blow customer service out of the water if they added two more

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features, ones I like to call GoneStar and MomStar.

GoneStar could keep tabs on cheating spouses and would easily sell itself with this simple campaign: “Find out where they’ve been‌then tell them where to go.â€?

MomStar is for parents of teen drivers. The basic service would track routes while muting radios and disabling phones for important announcements: “You’re not fooling me, young lady. That’s the way to the mall, not the library.�

Pay a little more and broadcasts would include things that only a mother would say in a time of crisis: OnStar: “Sir, help is on the way.�

MomStar: “Tell me you remembered clean underwear.�

Modern vehicles are traveling entertainment centers, routinely outfitted with DVD players, satellite radios and sophisticated GPS systems. Time was you had to board a luxury liner to cruise like this.

Unfortunately, gone are the days when commercials mainly talked about power and performance. The days when cars were built to last.

And the days when filling up meant putting a tiger in your tank‌not a Ben Franklin.

Better to kick the tires than yourself when you’re buying a car. If only commercials told you everything you needed to decide. Instead it’s all about the fluff‌the modems, the maps and the music.

Talk about taking you for a ride.

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February 2008

evince Body, Soul & Spirit

February 2008

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Page 9

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Say

Happy

Valentine’s Day Special package includes:

1

• Roses and chocolates upon arrival • 4 course gourmet dinner (chef’s choice) with bottle of champagne • Overnight accomodations • 3 course gourmet breakfast

4

It’s Valentine’s Day every day in February at The II Georges Inn

with a refreshing spa experience at Nails by Stacey For an Unforgettable Valentine Gift, Don’t Forget those Gift Certificates from Stacey!

Manicures, Pedicures, Sunless Tanning, Massage, Artificial Nail Enhancement No Drills 30 Minute Appointments Everyone has their own Files

Mon-Thurs - $ 200/couple Fri-Sun - $240/couple

visit www.thetwogeorgesinn.com or call 434.793.1119

It’s LOSE THOSE HOLIDAY POUNDS AND FEEL GREAT IN 2008!

Country Treasures

MATT CHARLES - www.trainwithmattcharles.com

A Unique Cottage Style Gift Shop

*NASM/ACE/SFA Certified Personal Trainer *Nutritional Consultant *Fitness Host *Fitness Model *Author

Floral Arrangements Wreaths - Swags - Centerpieces Pictures - Lamps - Soy Candles Bearington Bears - Jewelry Great Gifts

(434) 791-4091 • • • • •

Train for 30 minutes or 1 hour Free Nutritional Counseling w/ private training Team Training available In-home training available Clientele includes seniors, athletes, young adults everyone looking to tone up and get in shape

434.799.1700

534 Westover Drive - Danville VA Hours (Tues-Fri 10-5:30) Saturday 10-4 At other times by Appointment Owner: Becky Wagner

Coming soon…back to Danville from NYC and LA Mention this ad for the “Hometown Discount”

It’s

Congratulations on your engagement!

Charles Custom Creations

(434) 791-4091 www.charlescustomcreations.com info@charlescustomcreations.com

By Appointment Only

The Invitation Destination • • • • • • • • •

Wedding Invitations and Announcements One-of-a-Kind Invitations Organizing Service Save the Date Products Bridal Shower & Engagement Invitations Rehearsal Dinner Invitations Custom Monograms & Designs Seal n’ Send Invitations Do-It-Yourself Kits

• • • • • • • • •

Ceremony Programs Menu Cards & Place Cards Schedule of Events Customized Water Bottle Labels Personalized Favors & Gifts Personalized Napkins Attendant Gifts Personalized Stationery Small Quantities

• • • • • • • • •

Baby Shower Invitations Birth Announcements Birthday Party Invitations Holiday Invitations Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitations Graduation Announcements Address Labels Resumes & Business Cards And more...

2008 BABY-OF-THE -YEAR CONTEST 27th ANNUAL CHARITY FUNDRAISER

The Luncheon Pilot Club of Danville Presents the 2008 Baby-of-the-Year Contest Co-Sponsored by: American National Bank and Compson Studios Contest Registration Dates February 7-16, 2008 Weekdays 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Bookings every 30 minutes Place: Compson Studios 701 Patton St., Danville, VA. 2007 Winner www.compsonstudios.com Open to children from Birth to 4 Years Grand Prize: 16 X 20 Portrait & $500 Savings Bond Two Runners-Up: $200 & $100 Savings Bonds Every Contestant receives free photo!

Call 792-2056 to schedule appointment

Winners Determined by “Penny A Vote”

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• calendar of evince • Support the Tank Museum 434.836.5323 • www.aaftankmuseum.com

February Through February 24

PAA Exhibit – Diamonds in the Rough & Transformed by Light. Piedmont Arts Association – 276.632.3221.

Through March 9

DMFAH Exhibits – Outsiders; Elijah Gowen: Lonnie Holley Series; Forrest Moses.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History – 434.793.5644.

Through May 1

Too Small to See Exhibit – Discover the world of nanotechnology. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160.

February 1

Funning, Fueling & Fussing - The AfricanAmerican Experience in Literature. 11 am & 6 pm. Temple, Danville Community College. 434.797.8554.

February 1 (thru 29)

Prime Time Fitness – Open to the baby boomers and the young-at-heart. Fridays 9:30-11 am. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

February 1 (thru April 30)

Alien Earths Exhibit – NASA’s Origins Program, a series of missions spanning the next 20 years in which scientists will use space and ground-based observatories to understand the origin and development of galaxies, stars, planets, and the conditions necessary to support life. Virginia Museum of Natural History – 276.634.4141.

February 2

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – Cook’s Wall Trail in Hanging Rock State Park.

10 am. 434.579.7599 Bob Ross Painting Class – Mountain Scene. 10:30 am–3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex. 434.797.8848.

Art Attack with Lee Sandstead – Discussion by Sandstead on his new Travel Channel TV show. 11 am–12 pm. DCC 434.797.8554 World Wetlands Day – Discover the many parts of a wetland.12–3 pm. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160.

Mardi Gras – Cajun Cuisine and “Nawlin’s Jazz.” 6–11 pm. Danville Community Market. 434.793.4636.

The Cross Your Heart Gala – Live and silent auction, food and entertainment.

7– 11 pm. The Prizery, South Boston. South Boston-Halifax Junior Woman’s Club – www.sobojwc.com.

February 2 (thru 26)

Kuumba-West African Dance Company - Traditional West African dance and drumming classes. Times vary. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

February 5

DCC Knights Baseball Team Reception.

3–4 pm. Wyatt, Danville Community College – 434.797.2222.

Averett Basketball vs. Ferrum. Women’s 5:30 pm; Men’s 7:30 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

Poetry Cafe – Enjoy an evening of poetry, including readings of both original and traditional African-American poetry by DCC students, employees, and invited guests.

Light refreshments. 6–8 pm. Temple, Danville Community College. 434.797.8554.

IALR Computer Workshop – Photo Editing. 6–9 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6793.

Black History Month Lecture - Speaker: Coach Herman Boone (featured in the movie “Remember the Titans”). 7:30 pm.

Averett University - 434.791.5712.

The Harriet Tubman Story – The Underground Railway Theatre’s production.

7:30 pm. The Prizery, South Boston – 434.572.8339.

February 5 (thru 28)

Fitness For Older Adults, Ladies & ABSolute Fitness. Tues/Thus, 9–11 am; Ladies 10 am–12 pm; ABSolute Fitness 10:30-11:30 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

February 6

Senior Bowling Tournament. 10 am12 Noon. Riverside Lanes – 434.791.2695.

Fetch! Lab - Lab kids revisit the popular “marble ride” but with a new twist in the track challenge. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

February 7

IALR Computer Workshop – How to Improve Your Website. 9 am–12 pm. Institute For Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6793.

Bloody Monday Discussion – Learn about Danville’s mark in Civil Rights history which occurred June 10, 1963. 11 am–12 pm.

Danville Community College. 434.797.8554.

Alzheimer’s Presentation – Maintain Your Brain. 12 - 1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 ext. 30.

February 7 (thru 28)

Calligraphy Class. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm.

Thursdays. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

February 8

Barbecue Dinner. – Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

5:30–8 pm. Dan River Post 1097. egor1@ comcast.net.

COA Sweetheart Ball. 7:30-10:30 pm.

Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

February 9

Instant Piano Classes – In just half a day, learn enough to give you years of enjoyment. 9 am-12 pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

BARRAGE! – a high-octane fiddle-fest. 8pm www.barrage.org. See ad page 11.

Ice Bowl – 18-hole Disc Golf. 9:15 am.

Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.

Storytelling Festival – Keeping the Oral Tradition Alive. See page 14 and ad page 16.

VCU Graphic Arts Workshop – Free introductory graphic arts workshop for high school students and recent high school graduates, taught by 2 VCU instructors.

10 am. Southern Virginia Higher Education Center - 1.800.283.0098.

Averett Baseball vs. Hampden-Sydney (Doubleheader). 12 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

February 11

Paleontology – Recent Finds from Long Ago. 7 pm. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160.

Danville Chess Club. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

February 11 (thru March 4)

Art with Judie – Oil and watercolor painting. Mondays or Tuesdays. Times vary.

Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

February 12

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Find out how magnets work and how they affect us. Make your own Magic Magnetic Mural. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–7 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

DCC Knights Baseball vs Averett University JV. 2 pm. AU. 434.797.2222.

Averett Basketball vs. Methodist.

Women’s 5:30 pm; Men’s 7:30 pm.

AU – 434.791.5600.

IALR Computer Workshop – Excel II. 6–9 pm. Institute For Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6793.

Photography Club. 6:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex. 434.797.8848.

February 13 (thru May 1)

Lighten Up 4 Life – Includes guest speakers, fun exercise programs, nutrition, prizes, and more! 2nd & 4th Wednesdays.

9-11 am. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

February 13

February 2008

FEBRuary 2008 S M

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3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28

February 13 (thru March 20)

Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique.

Wednesdays or Thursdays, 6–9 pm. Ballou Annex . 434.797.8848.

February 14

Sickle Cell Anemia Fundraising Drive & Trait Testing. 8 am–12 pm. DCC 434.797.8554.

Recipe Club – Share great recipes.

11:30 am. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

Averett Women’s Basketball vs. Meredith.

7 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

Intro to Coffee Lingo –7 pm, Starbuck’s.

434. 797.8848.

February 14 (thru 16)

A Night of Wine and Roses – An evening of wining, dining, and song. Roxboro. See ad on page 16.

February 15

Women of Faith, Walking by Faith of Danville. 11 am - 1 pm. The Colonade Room. 434.793.8140 Gospel Choir Fest – Featuring the DCC Gospel Ensemble, plus other area college and school choirs. 7–9 pm. DCC 434.797.8554.

Sweethearts Dinner & Dance – Gourmet dinner buffet, open bar & live music. 7 pm.

Danville Education, Arts & Cultural Center – 434.710.0588.

February 15 & 16

As You Like It. presented by the Galileo Theatre Guild. See page 13.

February 15 (thru 23)

Lying In State –Halifax County Little Theatre – See page 6.

February 16

Rocky Knob Hike – 10-mile hike, moderate-hard. 8 am–7 pm. Meet at Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.

Super Saturday Southside – Wondering How to Pay for College? See page 15.

Super Saturday & National TRIO Day – Learn the steps to apply to any college!

10 am. Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville – 276.638.8777.

Fit For A Princess – Come dressed as your favorite princess while enjoying games, activities, a craft and snacks all centered on the princess theme. Ages 3-5. 10:30 am.

Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

February 16 & 17

Averett Baseball vs. Bridgewater.

1 pm. AU – 434.791.5600.

February 18

February 4 (thru 25)

February 19

African Dance Ensemble – Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Boogie Mondays – Beginner shag lessons.

Mondays, 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

F S 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29

e-Commerce Workshops – Course 1: Food-Based Industry. 9 am–4:15 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6700.

Alzheimer’s Presentation – When Is It Time for a Care Change? 12 - 1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 ext. 30.

Gardening Workshop – Lawn & Landscape Weeds. 6:30–8 pm. Boscov’s.

434. 797.8848.

February 3 (thru March 20)

Art Exhibit. – Whimsical Etchings and Collographs by Linda Gourley. With additional works by Shirley Cadmus, Mimi Games, Crystal Hardt and other local artists.

Opening Reception 2/3, 2-5 pm. Milton Studio Art Gallery, Milton, NC. 336.234.9429.

T

IALR Computer Workshop – Front Page: Learn to create and import web pages.

6–9 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6793.

Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 434.792.0601.

What Did You Say? – Learn how to communicate clearly, concretely & concisely 9 am–12 pm. IALR– 434.766.6793.

African-American History Challenge – Teams from DCC student clubs and

February 2008

•

organizations will compete in this Jeopardy-like contest to see who knows the most. 11 am–1 pm. DCC 434.797.8554.

February 20

e-Commerce Workshops – Commerce Technology, Payment and Security.

9 am–4:15 pm. IALR – 434.766.6700.

Fetch! Lab - Design and build a windpowered car. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Computer for Beginners – 6–9 pm. IALR – 434.766.6700.

February 21

Alzheimer’s Presentation – Senior Services offered at Ballou Center. 12 - 1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 ext. 30.

Pandemic Influenza - Workshop will help you to understand the difference between seasonal flu and pandemic flu and help you to prepare for a pandemic.

6 pm. Boscov’s. Parks, Rec & Tourism – 434.797.8848.

Back and Front Country Ethics - Learn some of the best practices and procedures to preserve and protect our environment.

6–9 pm, Ballou Park Nature Center.

434.799.5215.

Skywatchers – Evening devoted entirely to the total lunar eclipse. The eclipse begins shortly after 8 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

February 21 (thru 24)

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. 2/21–23 7:30 pm; 2/24 – 2 pm.

Averett University – 434.791.5712.

February 22

Still Active Hike - Easy-mild, 4-mile hike located in Pleasant Garden, NC. 8 am–3 pm.

Meet at Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.

Averett Women’s Basketball vs. N.C. Wesleyan. 5:30 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

Step Show – Enjoy the high energy dance featuring area Greek sororities, fraternities and step teams. 7–9 pm. DCC – 434.797.2222.

February 23

Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theatre – See page 14 and ad page 15.

February 23 & 24

DCC Knights Baseball vs Ohio State/ Mansfield. 2/23 - 1 pm; 2/24 - 12 pm. Dan Daniel Park. DCC – 434.797.2222.

February 23 (thru March 15)

Preschooler Classes – Tumblin’ Tots, Ages 2–3, 9:30–10:15 am; Sandlot Sluggers, Ages 3–5, 10:30–11:15 am; Fitness Camp, Ages 3–5, 11:30 am–12:15 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

evince •

February 24

Averett Baseball vs. Virginia Wesleyan.

1:30 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

February 25

Danville Chess Club (See 2/11) Soundcheck – Teens are invited to share their talents. 7-8:30 pm. The Cellar, Chatham Baptist Church. 434.432.0347 or frhughes@gamewood.net.

February 25 & 28

Management Through Film – Mr. Holland’s Opus. View the movie one night and next night discuss key leadership issues, attributes and behaviors in the performance of others. 6–9 pm. IALR – 434.766.6793.

February 26

The Story Man – Baba Jamal Koram is a respected leader in the world of storytelling. 11 am – 12 pm. DCC 434.797.8554.

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Go on a fossil dig to learn more about events and animals in the past. Make your own fossil.

Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–7 3:45–4:45 pm.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Averett Baseball vs. Lynchburg. 2 pm. AU– 434.791.5600.

Nguzo Saba African Drum and Dance Company –. 6–8 pm. DCC 434.797.8554.

February 27

e-Commerce Workshops – Course 3: Taking e-Commerce to the Next Level & Series Review. 9 am–4:15 pm. IALR – 434.766.6700.

Gardening Workshop – Pruning Woody Trees. 6:30–8 pm. Boscov’s. Parks, Rec & Tourism – 434.797.8848.

February 28

Leading Change with Confidence – Understanding reactions to change, the do’s and don’ts, how to establish change management strategy that builds organizational resilience. 9 am–4 pm.

IALR– 434.766.6700.

Recipe Club – (See 2/14)

February 29

Averett Baseball vs. Capital (Doubleheader). 1 pm. AU – 434.791.5600.

A Night In The Park – Hike the trails of Ballou Park, warm up by campfire, while enjoying delicious snacks and entertainment from our guest storyteller.

6:30–8:30 pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.

Crossing of the Dan Celebration

by Emyl Jenkins

“In February 1781 the greatest retreat in the American Revolution played out with British and American armies dueling across the Carolinas in a 230-mile chase.”

So begins the story of an unheralded event that happened right in our own backyard--the story of Nathanael Green’s “ragged and destitute American Army” crossing of the Dan River, a story that had major consequences for our country.

The 227th anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan will be celebrated on Friday and Saturday, February 8-9, in downtown South Boston. The keynote speaker on

Saturday at 1:30 p.m. will be Larry G. Aaron, author of The Race to the Dan---The Retreat That Rescued the American Revolution.

After Aaron’s talk entitled, “A ‘What If’ Scenario: Suppose Nathanael Greene Had Lost the Race to the Dan,” he will be signing books.

For information on the Crossing of the Dan Celebration call 434.572.2222, email tsraab@ comcast.net or visit www. halifaxcountyhistoricalsociety. org or http://www.prizery.com/ Crossing/Celebration.htm.

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Leilani Cochran helps customer Penny Sornberger while C.B. Maddox watches with approval.

Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths More Than Just a Pretty Window

by Joyce Wilburn

It’s enough to cause an accident at the intersection of Floyd and Main Streets, but no one is complaining, especially not the staff working inside Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths on the corner.

The tiny downtown store’s creative and often amusing window displays have caused many passersby to stop their hurried pace and do a double take. Such was the case, for example, when mannequin “Vanna White” spelled out the company’s name in true Wheel of Fortune fashion, or when colorful heliumfilled balloons set off the motionsensitive security system on a nightly basis.

Although the traffic-stopping window designs attract potential shoppers, it is the creative work of master goldsmith and jewelry designer C. B. Maddox that has convinced satisfied customers to walk repeatedly through the door during the store’s 20-year history.

The Charlottesville native credits registered British goldsmith

Suzannah Wagner for sparking his interest in creating jewelry. A few decades ago, she encouraged him to enroll in one of her classes while he was still in high school. Many fine arts classes later, a short stint in a jewelry store, a friendship with Greg Williams and Robert Bragg, (the future owners of Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths), and a serendipitous job transfer to Danville led to the opening of the downtown store in the mid 1980s with C. B. on the staff.

Glancing around his home-awayfrom-home at 601 Main Street, he tells visitors about the history of the store. “We think at one time, this was a combined optician/ jeweler shop which was a typical arrangement long ago. Eyeglass lenses were made of glass, which were polished much the same way that gemstones are polished, so in an optician/jeweler shop there was an intermingling of equipment.”

Pointing to several pliers on his desk he adds with a hint of

pride, “Some of the equipment we use today was used on the English crown jewels after they were damaged during a trip to the Smithsonian in the 1960s.”

Whether repairing, creating, or selling jewelry, C.B. has earned a reputation throughout Southern Virginia and northern North Carolina as an expert in his field. That might explain why Commonwealth Silver is the sole jewelry store in downtown where formerly there had been five. But C.B. aims to give more than oneof-a-kind jewelry to his customers.

“I like to think it’s the customer service that brings people back,” he says in an unassuming voice, adding after a reflective pause, “I like to think of my customers more as friends rather than customers.”

As if on cue, jewelry manager, Leilani Cochran, shares a laugh with a departing shopper and walks over to join in the conversation.

“I started as a happy customer 11½ years ago,” she says confirming what C.B. has said. “I had designed my own wedding bands in sterling and yellow gold. All the other jewelry stores I went to said, ‘Oh, honey, you want white gold,’ but when I came in here, they didn’t bat an eyelash, and shortly we had two beautiful custom-made rings,” she says while displaying the wedding bands on her left hand.

After that incident, the jewelry arts and metalsmithing major from Humboldt State University in California soaked up the creative energy at the store and parlayed her “hanging out on Saturday mornings” into a job as designer, customer service representative, and purchaser.

Speaking like someone complimenting her best friend, she continues, “We are not a cookie-cutter type of store where there might be ten of the same piece. We carry things that are more unique, like the Holly Yashi line.” Leilani actually went to school with Holly, whose pieces are inspired by the beautiful California coastline and who promotes her jewelry as art.

“We also repair jewelry and offer excellent service whether someone brings us a family heirloom or a simple silver ring,” she adds, her voice trailing off as she hurries to greet another newly arriving customer, who probably was attracted inside by the colorful window display and Commonwealth’s now decades-old reputation.

Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths, 601 Main Street, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10.a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. There will be an estate jewelry trunk show during extended hours on Friday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and regular hours on Saturday, February 2. For more information, call 434.791-GOLD.

February 2008

Around the Table

by Annelle Williams

Pleasing Surprises with Sweet Endings February makes me see red—hearts, roses, and chocolate covered cherries.

No wonder they decided to add an extra day—it’s such a lovely month to be so short. Actually, we have 29 days this year, giving us more time to busy ourselves with deciding which foods to prepare for February’s many holidays.

There’s Ground Hog Day, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and George Washington Day—yes, in Virginia, we legally have George Washington Day rather than Presidents’ Day. If you’re entertaining on one of these special days, or any day, nothing says I love you throughout the month like a scrumptious dessert. Mini chocolate cakes are ideal for a sweet bite, an amuse-bouche. They will make all chocolate lovers very happy and leave everyone smiling!

Chocolate Amuse-Bouche 1 cup bittersweet chocolate pieces (62% cacao), plus 36 more pieces 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter cut into small pieces, plus the remainder of the stick of butter, melted, to grease muffin wrappers 2 T water 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ¾ cup regular flour ¼ tsp. salt 36 frozen, pitted cherries, thawed for 1-2 minutes in microwave on 30% and drained on paper towels

Preheat oven to 325º. Pat 36 paper wrappers into mini-cupcake pans.

Cut 1/3 cup butter into small pieces and place in small saucepan. Melt remainder of butter in microwave and brush the inside of each paper wrapper generously with butter. Add the sugar to the butter in saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring to incorporate sugar. Add 1 cup chocolate pieces and stir vigorously until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Beat eggs with water and add in a slow thin stream, while stirring vigorously. Then add vanilla, flour and salt and whisk well to mix.

Add 1 heaping teaspoon of chocolate mixture to each buttered muffin wrapper. Slip one piece of chocolate into each pitted cherry and add one to each muffin. Top with another heaping teaspoonful of chocolate mixture.

Bake for 17 to 19 minutes, until top of muffin gently springs back when touched. Cool pan on wire rack.

February 2008

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629 North Main Street, at 7 p.m. on February 15 or 16. Tickets are $8.00 for students and senior citizens and $10.00 for adults if purchased in advance from Galileo Magnet High School 434.773.8186. Tickets are $10.00 for students and senior citizens and $12.00 for adults if purchased at the door.

Adrift in Dixie

by Helen Miller

Devin Braun as Orlando and Laura Miller as Rosalind

Why I’m Performing in Shakespeare’s As You Like It

by Devin Braun

When Galileo Magnet High School’s Theatre Guild presents William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, instructor Rhonda Johnson will direct a cast of enthusiastic actors.

Laura Miller, will play Rosalind, the daughter of a banished French Duke, and I will have the role of the male love interest.

Acting Shakespeare requires enthusiasm and other actors bringing their enthusiasm to

this performance are Taylor Gauldin, Ashley Jones, and Darius Montague, as well as Galileo Social Science Instructor Robert Lea. Performing one of Shakespeare’s plays is every actor’s dream. The permanence of Shakespeare’s themes--forbidden love, inequality, struggles with conscience, and bawdy humor--are inspiring. That’s why I have performed elements of Shakespeare’s writings, principally sonnets and monologues in two National Shakespeare Competitions.

Being a lead character, however, requires a deeper immersion with the text and, thus, a deeper meaning derived from it.

So to see enthusiastic actors dramatically interpret challenging phrasings and ideas in a meaningful way, come to the North Theatre,

Imagine the scene. It is 5:45 p.m. on a weeknight. It is perilously close

by Lynnette Lawson to Christmas Eve. I have just gotten off work and if sugar plums are to be by Joyceassured Wilburnme that my late arrival was dancing anywhere in the vicinity of my not a problem and that, furthermore, head on December 24th, there is an it would only take a minute or two to errand that must be completed. set up a new cell phone with assorted Now, I know that One Stop Cellular on accessories.

Collins Drive is suppose to close at 6:00 p.m.

Phew! on this particular night, BUT my daughter We chatted and laughed and shared wants a cell phone for Christmas and Santa stories about our children while she Claus is going to need my help to make her colluded with me to help Santa get his wish come true. act together. She put my mind at ease, I rush through the door of the store helped me relax (to the greatest extent falling over myself apologizing for the possible that close to Christmas), and fact that I was most certainly going helped St. Nicholas and Mom make one to make Frannie Wrenn, salesperson 10-year-old girl exceedingly happy on extraordinaire, late leaving work.

Christmas morning. And Frannie never But Frannie, true paragon of stopped smiling the whole time.

Southern gentility and hospitality Frannie, you rock. Thank you. that she is, put me right at ease. She

The private journal of a Union soldier has found new life in a book 142 years after it was handwritten by Lieutenant Henry Estabrooks of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Now, Adrift in Dixie is available for all to read.

After reading the diary in one sitting, Edmund Kirke was compelled to write the introduction to the true experiences of the young soldier who was captured during the battle of Berryville and imprisoned at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.

A member of the 26th Regiment of Massachusetts, prisoner-ofwar Estabrooks was on a train headed for the Deep South when he escaped in the heart of Halifax County. Estabrooks’ journal tells of his difficult days and nights traveling on foot following paths,

NOW OPEN!

plank roads, streams, and rivers searching for places to eat, sleep, and hide while looking for a route back to his regiment. But it was the kindness and generosity offered to Estabrooks by the brave slaves that most impressed Kirke.

With the publication of Adrift in Dixie, Kirke hopes the book will educate readers about the more than 4 million slaves who lived during this period, while it keeps the story of one Union soldier alive.

Copies of Adrift in Dixie are $20 and are available at the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History, 1540 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston. For more information, call 434.572.9200.

Zoom into nanotechnology on this journey from the macro-world to the nano-world!

Build molecules, walk through a silicon crystal and climb on carbon nanotubes.

Sponsored by:

KIWANIS CLUB OF DANVILLE FOUNDATION

677 CRAGHEAD ST. DANVILLE, VA (434) 791-5160 • dsc.smv.org

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You’re Invited to Laugh at Inflation

by Arlyne McDowell

Bursting with original, fantastic, pneumatic suits of all shapes and sizes, the two performers in the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company juggle and dance while offering hilarious visual comedy, mischief, and even art.

What sort of mind creates such a unique show? Perhaps it's best to get the story from Fred Garbo himself...

Dear Audience Members: Since founding Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater Company almost 17 years ago, audiences all over the globe ask, "Where did you ever come up with this idea?" The short answer is—we made it up. But here's the long answer: Growing up watching cartoons and Marx Brothers’ movies, I laughed at the slapstick humor until I cried. The gags, the animation, the surprises—I loved it all. That's what started my thinking about performing surprising illusions on stage and developing a wide repertoire of skills useful to new vaudevillians.

One fateful day in 1988, I took a breather from show biz with a bit of skydiving. While packing my parachute, I was struck by its qualities: bright colors, strong material, and most important to a traveling performer who spends a ton of time in planes, so much

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of it could be packed into a really small space. Bingo! An idea was born.

The parachute material inflates into a huge, big prop and then deflates down to nearly nothing. I took this inspiration to my friend and hot air balloon artist, George York. Between us, we devised the first in a long line of strange new props: a stage set that turns into a couch, and a self-inflating body suit that would become the inflatable man, Fred Zeplin, whose enormous body seems to reduce my head, hands and feet to doll size, making him cartoon-like, yet obviously real.

That was only the beginning of the pop-action, air-filled adventure. We’ve built and assembled tons of shapes, costumes, animals, furniture, and other things that blow up—but we’ve never left an audience deflated. Twice we’ve performed a sold-out, four-week run at New York’s The New Victory Theater.

Now we’re bringing our creations to Danville to amaze and delight you.

Truly universal in its appeal, our show transcends age and language. It's a performance for the whole family, from grandchildren to grandparents.

Inflatably Yours, Fred Garbo Fred Garbo and His Inflatable Theater will be presented by the Danville Area Association for the Arts & Humanities on Saturday, February 23, at 2:30 p.m. in the George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street. For more information call 434.792.6965.

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Tour and/or Live in Danville’s Famed Langhorne House

by Pat Maurakis

How many times have you driven past the historical Langhorne House on Broad Street and wondered what it looked like inside? Or read the Lady Astor / Gibson Girl historical marker in front of the house and wanted to know more about this famous family?

Now you have an opportunity, because for three hours every Saturday afternoon the 1870s house will be open for visitors to explore and learn more about its former occupants.

Chiswell Langhorne (Chillie) and his wife Nancy Keen built the house in 1874 on the corner of Main and Broad Streets. It was moved to its present location at 117 Broad Street in 1921, and in a unique makeover, the front of the house became its side and the side became the front facing Broad Street.

More recent interior renovations have recreated the original front parlor featuring a corner fireplace with soapstone hearth and surround.

Above the simple wood mantle hangs a portrait of John Langhorne, Chillie’s father, resplendent and proud in his Civil War uniform. The walls are painted the same peach color that Mrs. Langhorne chose, and period appropriate wallpaper is used below the chair rail and over the picture molding. Custom-made draperies, reproduction lighting fixtures, and period furniture complete this charming room.

Across the hall, in the restored Langhorne bedroom, the same attention to detail continues-including the gray-green paint that originally covered the walls. Old photographs, a dress of Nancy Astor’s from around 1905, a sideboard that once belonged to the Langhornes, and a chair with a Dana Gibson illustration carved on the back are also on display.

When the lively Langhorne family of eight moved from Danville in the early 1880s, they left behind colorful tales of Chillie Langhorne, father of the tobacco auctioneer’s chant, but they took two daughters who later in life would become internationally renowned and whose stories are told on the property’s historic marker.

Irene, who married artist Charles Dana Gibson, was immortalized as the “Gibson Girl.” Nancy, Lady Astor, was the first woman to serve in the British House of Commons. (For some interesting trivia, ask your guide about a mistake that is on the marker.)

After touring the former home that is conveniently located to stores, restaurants, and the downtown area, visitors will understand why it would be a great place to live in the 1800s and in 2008. For living there today is still an option--the top floor of the house contains two apartments, each with four rooms and a bath.

If you would like an opportunity to live in an historic house and to support the preservation of a

February 2008 significant Danville treasure with your rent money, contact the Langhorne House. Just think, one day there might be a historical marker indicating you lived here!

The Langhorne House, 117 Broad Street, is open on Saturday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Groups may arrange tours of the house at other times by appointment. For more information on the Langhorne House and/ or the availability of an apartment, call 434.792.7867 (Saturday afternoons only) or 434.791.2256.

Storytelling Festival Keeps Oral Tradition Alive

by Fred Motley & Lynne Bjarnesen

Hundreds of local and regional residents will flock to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History on the second Saturday in February for the 7th Annual Storytelling Festival - Keeping the Oral Tradition Alive. Professional and local storytellers who specialize in the legacy of the Griot, a word used to describe the “keeper of the word” within the African-American culture, will entertain and inform.

This year’s emphasis is on the powerful African-American musical influence. Logie Meachum of Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr. Anjail Rashida Ahmad of North Carolina A&T State University, Catina Jones of Danville, and The Healing Force of WinstonSalem, North Carolina, will tell stories and folktales and present poetry as “spoken word.”

In addition, the exciting and much anticipated traditional drumming and Dance of Welcome will be performed

by Patricia Hall’s Kuumba Dance Company. Fred Motley, founder of the Cultural Arts Ensemble, will also perform. Local storytellers Brenda Harris, James Harris, and Rene Hicks will be joined by Portia Fitzgerald and Ruby Elliott in the swapping ground to spin yarns and weave words.

At the end of the day, Mayor Sherman Saunders will present certificates of recognition to Jerry L. Williams, Jr., Mozelle S. Hubbard Wade, Gwendolyn M. Edwards, Willie T. Fitzgerald, Donald Ray Smith, Mildred Darden Echols, and Thurman Olander Echols, Jr., who are being honored for inspiring pride, courage, and social and economic progress through their careers and community activism.

The Storytelling Festival, a joint endeavor of the Danville Museum and the Cultural Arts Ensemble, is being celebrated during Black History Month on Saturday, February 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

It is a free, family-oriented, multi-cultural, multi-generational event meant to inspire and bring together the entire community of all backgrounds and origins. The Museum is located at 975 Main Street. For more information, call 434.793.5644.

February 2008

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Wondering How to Pay for College?

by Nancy A. Combs

On February 16th, at Super Saturday Southside 2008, parents and students will tackle the important issue of how to pay for college. As a bonus, all participating students will be entered into a drawing for $100 towards college textbooks!

Free and open to all, this event at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will be led by professional educators and counselors. Registration is at 9:45 a.m. followed by four sessions: n 10:30 am - Financial Aid 101: What are the three main types of financial aid? What steps do I need to take to register for aid? The U.S. government helps students pay for college through FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Counselors will be on hand to help families

complete the application. Visit www.supersaturdaysouthside.org for a list of documents needed. n 11:30 am - The Lowdown on Loans: (recommended for parents) What are the loan options and what organizations provide college loans? How and when do I pay them back? Can some loan repayments begin after college graduation? These are just some of the questions that will be answered. n 11:30 am - Planning for College: (recommended for high school students) What is the “Top Ten� to-do list when planning for college? What is the best college for you? How important are college visits? What are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT)? Does community service really matter? n 12:45 pm - Seeking Scholarships: Because so many people are vying for college scholarships, the market is very competitive. This session explores the numerous types of scholarships that are available and provides tips to research scholarship opportunities.

For more information, visit www.supersaturdaysouthside.org or call the IALR at 434.766.6725.

The Institute is located at 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, Virginia.

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February 2008

If You Believe in Learning, Support the Uranium Study Virginia Uranium, Inc., a Virginia-owned and Virginia-managed company with headquarters in Chatham, is asking for an independent, scientific study, paid for by us in a hands-off manner and authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, to determine if mining can be done safely in Virginia.

Such a scientific study, conducted by an independent institution like the National Academy of Sciences, is in keeping with the Virginia Energy Plan, released late last year and endorsed by Governor Tim Kaine. The Energy Plan specifically cites the enormous potential of the Pittsylvania uranium deposit at Coles Hill in terms of energy independence as well as economic prosperity for our region and Virginia.

Such an independent and scientific study would firmly focus on the health, environmental and economic impacts on Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties as well as the rest of Virginia.

Like responsible environmental groups, we support the current moratorium on uranium mining, pending an independent, scientific study. If findings show that the mining cannot be done safely, then the ore body will not be mined.

If you feel a scientific study makes sense, please inform your representatives in Richmond and ask them to give their full support. If mining can be done safely, it can have a multi-billion dollar impact on the economic prospects of Southside Virginia. For information about contacting your delegates and senators, please check our website at

www.virginiauranium.com or give us a call at 434-432-1065 A Night of Wine and Roses With “Sound Celebration”

Ê 7Ê 7 / , Ê/ , / "

A Valentine Cabaret Evening

February 14, 15, 16, 2008 Held at The Rock of Ages An evening of wining, dining, and song will prove to be the perfect night to take your Valentine or just yourself out on the town.

Brought back by popular demand, our featured entertainment will be provided by “Sound Celebration,” a unique foursome blending tight four part harmonies performing doo-wap, blues, country, contemporary and novelty selections.

Rock of Ages Winery will provide fabulous food and their great selection of wines for your palette.

Ticket: $38 per person (includes dinner and Show) Alcoholic beverages extra Reservations Required Sponsored by the Person County Arts Council Tickets call: 336-597-1709 ot online at www.ArtsinPerson.com

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